In downtown Grand Ledge, there is a building that’s become the talk of the town. The structure, currently owned by Breakthrough Fitness, has seen a variety of businesses come and go, each leaving after just a few months. This pattern has led many to wonder if the building is cursed, as every owner seems to struggle and eventually sell or vacate. The latest sign to appear on the property reads “Available,” continuing the streak of business that couldn’t make it work. Is the building cursed, or is there another explanation?
The building’s location in downtown Grand Ledge is right in the middle, yet it has seen multiple businesses buy and sell in quick repeats. Some locals believe a curse is to blame for the high turnover, while others see it as a series of bad decisions. Among the residents, there’s a growing curiosity about what kind of business could succeed in the space.
Ava Reynolds, senior at Grand Ledge High School, suggests a business that could offer something new to the town.
“Something like Comets Nutrition or Swig would be really cool. We don’t really have any of those stores around here, and I think it would attract good business.”
Reynolds’ idea highlights a community craving for healthier options, and something like Swig could fill this desire.
Roman Barnes, another senior at Grand Ledge, has a different wish.
“Chick-fil-A would do really well here. There’s no other good food in town besides Taco Bell, and the nearest Chick-fil-A is 15 minutes away. It would definitely be a hit in Grand Ledge.”
The idea of a popular fast-food chain is appealing to Barnes, who believes this franchise would thrive in town.
Jackson Hale, director of Grand Ledge Campus Life, believes the building could serve an important purpose for local youth.
“We love utilizing buildings that are close to students, especially since some have trouble with transportation,” Hale said. The building’s location is perfect for Hale’s organization, and he sees the space as a ideal spot to create something that could benefit the community.
“We would love to use it for something that lifts students up,” Hale said.
Hale also addressed the rumors of the building being cursed, connecting the idea to his mission.
“I think the building has always tried to be used to lift things up. We’re trying to do the same thing, but not with physical weights-rather, we’re trying to lift up others to Christ.”
For Hale, the building’s troubled past doesn’t discourage him, as he believes it could be repurposed for something good in the community.
While some are quick to label the building as cursed, others see it as a matter of bad decisions and poor planning. Ty Ellis, for one, is unconvinced by the idea of a curse.
“No, it’s not cursed. The business people are just idiots. They tried to make it to a gym three times, and it failed,” Ellis said.
His frustration with past owners is clear, pointing out their repeated attempts to make the building into something the community didn’t need.
Maya Cool, sophomore at Grand Ledge, was more inclined to believe in the building’s cursed reputation.
“I think it’s cursed, there’ve been great opportunities for businesses to thrive there, but they all fell short, not by coincidence,” Cool said.
Her perspective suggests that despite the building’s prime location, something has caused these opportunities to fail repeatedly.
Despite the skepticism surrounding the building’s past, it’s clear that many in the community still see its potential. The right business could make all the difference. Whether it’s a healthy food store, a popular fast food franchise, or a spot for Campus Life, the possibilities are endless. For Hale, the location is ideal for creating something that serves the needs of his students.
As for the building’s reputation, it seems more likely that success is within reach if the right vision comes along. Will the next business break the cycle of failure, or will the building continue to be cursed?
